June 18, 2014

Q: My wife and I enjoy walking, bicycling and riding motorcycles, but doing so in traffic can be scary.

How can we safely enjoy these activities?

A: Worried about "sharing the road"?

Be aware that pedestrians and smaller vehicles are not as easily seen in traffic.

Be alert. Be safe. Be seen.

Be alert

Always pay attention. At intersections, make eye contact with other drivers.

Look left-right-left before and while crossing.

Never walk or ride distracted or when under the influence of alcohol or medication.

Be safe

Obey traffic signs and signals. Ride with traffic; walk on the left against traffic.

Wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding.

Be seen

Drivers can look at you and not see you.

Glare from driving into the sun or from oncoming headlights at night can prevent drivers from seeing you.

Don't assume driver see you because you see them.

Dress to be visible, using reflective materials, brightly colored clothing and illumination.

Reflectors on bikes, lights on motorcycles and a flashlight when walking can greatly increase your visibility.

Learn more about safe motorcycling. Take an approved motorcycle safety course, free to residents of Pennsylvania. To enroll in a course, visit www.pamsp.com.

"Sadie Says ..." is brought to you by the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition's Safe Communities Task Force, whose members include AAA North Penn, AARP, Area Agency on Aging and regional transportation and highway safety advocates.